OUR HOUSE Run for Hope
“Coming together with others in a large group commemorating memories of loved ones is a powerful reminder that you’re not alone and can seek support from others, something OUR HOUSE does beautifully,” said Melissa Rivers.
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) April 08, 2015
OUR HOUSE Grief Support Center, one of the most respected non-profit grief centers in the nation, will host its sixth Annual Run For Hope 5K Festival on Sunday, April 26 at the West Los Angeles Civic Center & Bandshell. The Run For Hope is the only event of its kind in the nation--a day dedicated to celebrating and honoring the memory of loved ones who have died. This year’s presenting sponsors are The Hollander Family and Best Friend Animal Society, rooting them deeper in the community. OUR HOUSE’s spokesperson, Melissa Rivers, and Los Angeles City Councilmember Mike Bonin of the 11th District will participate at the event.
Melissa Rivers will present awards to the largest and most successful teams. “The Run For Hope is even more meaningful for me this year as Cooper and I will be participating in memory of my mother,” Melissa said. “Coming together with others in a large group commemorating memories of loved ones is a powerful reminder that you’re not alone and can seek support from others, something OUR HOUSE does beautifully.”
Participants have the opportunity to personalize t-shirts with their loved ones' photos commemorating & celebrating their memories, and take part in three key events:
7:30am
The In-Memory Walk, sponsored by The Lippman Family in memory of Natalie Scharlin Friedman, is a walk for adults only led by OUR HOUSE’s Adult Clinical Team that culminates in an intimate ceremony where participants have the opportunity to share about their loved one who has died, and listen as others share their stories of grief, hope and healing.
9:00am
5K Run/Walk & Family Fun Run
10:00am
Closing ceremony and festival including food trucks, music, a kids fun zone and expo booths.
“The Run For Hope is our largest and most celebratory event of the year,” said Michele Prince, executive director, OUR HOUSE Grief Support Center. “We are expecting 1,500 attendees who have pledged to raise over $350,000 for essential grief support services, something everyone needs in their lifetime in the Los Angeles area and beyond.”
This year’s presenting sponsors are The Hollander Family and Best Friends Animal Society. People who are mourning the death of a loved one are often calmed and reassured by the loving companionship of a pet. Jackie Hollander says, “My vision for OUR HOUSE Grief Support Center and Best Friends Animal Society is to have these two wonderful organizations collaborate by uniting people and animals at their most vulnerable times, helping them provide solace and support for each other.” Best Friends Animal Society will have a booth at the Run For Hope Festival.
6th Annual Run for Hope In-Memory Walk & 5K Run/Walk
Sunday, April 26, 2015 7:30am-Noon
OUR HOUSE Grief Support Center’s Run for Hope is a day to share grief, loss & love; providing the community with a sense of hope & connection.
Where: West Los Angeles Civic Center & Bandshell 1645 Corinth Ave. LA 90025
Schedule of Events
7:30am: In-Memory Walk (adults only)
The In-Memory walk is designed for all adult members of the community to honor the memory of someone close to them who has died.
9:00am: 5K Run/Walk & Family Fun Run
All ages are invited to participate, including all In-Memory Walk participants
8:30am-12:00pm: Kid Zone + Festival
Participants will receive a personalized t-shirt with their loved one’s picture on the back and children and teams will be recognized with the opportunity to share their shirts and stories.
Sponsors:
The Hollander Family, Best Friends Animal Society, The Lippman Family, Starbucks, Yelp, New York Life, IMAX, the West LA Neighborhood Council, Pressed Juicery, Blick art materials. Entertainment includes music from DJ Sherpa and the School of Rock.
Registration and Info:
http://www.ourhouse-grief.org/events
About OUR HOUSE Grief Support Center:
OUR HOUSE Grief Support Center is one of the nation’s most respected organizations for grief support and education. For 21 years, OUR HOUSE has helped thousands of grieving adults, teens and children as they embark on their journeys to hope and healing after the death of someone close. The safe, warm, and nurturing environment of their two Los Angeles centers offer support groups specific to age and relationship. OUR HOUSE is a leading provider of grief education, offering workshops, seminars, and in-service training to mental health and medical professionals, clergy, educators, and other members of the community who interact with bereaved families. The OUR HOUSE grief education program is part of the curricula for students at USC’s Keck and UCLA’s David Geffen Schools of Medicine. To learn more, please visit http://www.ourhouse-grief.org or call 1.888.417.1444.
About Best Friends Animal Society:
Best Friends Animal Society is the only national animal welfare organization focused exclusively on ending the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters. NKLA (No Kill Los Angeles) is a coalition of animal welfare organizations, city shelters and passionate individuals, led by Best Friends Animal Society and dedicated to ending the killing of healthy and treatable pets in L.A. shelters.
About Melissa Rivers:
As an ambassador for OUR HOUSE Grief Support Center Melissa makes it a priority to raise awareness for dealing with pain and anguish in the wake of loss. In 2013, she received the Good Grief Award for her openness in discussing her father’s suicide. Last year nearly 2 months after the loss of her mother, Melissa co-emceed the 21st Anniversary House of Hope Gala with grace, courage and candor. May 5, 2015 marks the release of Melissa’s book titled Book of Joan: Tales of Mirth, Mischief and Manipulation (Crown Archetype), a loving and humorous tribute to her. She is also the executive producer of E! Entertainment’s long time show, Fashion Police. We are grateful for Melissa’s support and dedication to OUR HOUSE and for ensuring that people will continue to have a place to share their grief and find hope.
